Why 27,000 Broncos fans are set to miss out as details for World Club Challenge confirmed
The showpiece event will return in 2026 after the Penrith Panthers refused to play it this year.
The Brisbane Broncos will take on Hull KR in the World Club Challenge on February 20 (Australian time) next year, with the return of the showpiece event confirmed on Thursday. After a one-year hiatus due to the Penrith Panthers’ refusal to play this year, the World Club Challenge will be back in 2026 after the Broncos agreed to travel to the UK to play Hull KR.
It was initially hoped the game could be played at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, which would have drawn a sellout crowd of 52,000 at the home of the NRL premiers. But due to Hull KR’s busy travel schedule, it will instead be played in England on February 19 (local time) at MKM Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm on the Thursday night in England, which is 5.30am on the Friday morning in Brisbane (and 6.30am in Sydney).
MKM Stadium is the home of Hull KR’s cross-town rivals Hull FC. Hull KR play out of Craven Park, which only has a capacity of 11,000. MKM Stadium can hold 25,500, making it a much better venue for the World Club Challenge. But it pales in comparison to the 52,000 that would have packed Suncorp Stadium, meaning some 27,000 fans will miss out on the chance to see the game in person.
Officials have little choice but to hold the game in England because Hull KR are playing in Las Vegas not long after. The Broncos aren’t one of the four NRL teams scheduled to feature in Vegas, making it much easier for them to travel for the WCC.
“It’s a very special opportunity to take a group of players and staff across to the other side of the world to take on the Super League champions,” Broncos coach Michael Maguire said on Thursday. “Travelling and sharing this experience together will only build a stronger connection between the group and that will prepare us for what’s ahead in 2026. As a club, we are very motivated to bring the World Club trophy home to Brisbane, just like we did with the NRL and NRLW Premierships.”
World Club Challenge returns after Panthers’ refusal to play
If Hull KR had to play the game in Australia, it would mean travelling Down Under before another trip to Vegas and then back to England for the Super League. It was a similar situation for the Panthers this year, and they ultimately decided it was too risky for their players to travel to England to face Wigan before heading to Vegas.
The 2025 edition of the WCC was therefore scrapped, but thankfully it’s been revived for 2026. “We’re delighted to bring the World Club Challenge back next year to kick off the rugby league calendar” Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Brisbane Broncos on the world stage and test ourselves against the champions of England, Hull KR.
“The players and staff are determined to represent Brisbane and our members in the best possible way – and to bring another trophy home. Hull KR have incredibly passionate fans and we’re looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and the challenge that will bring.”
Hull KR chief Paul Lakin said: “With offers from around the world to host the game, we are delighted to bring the World Club Challenge home to Hull. Allowing supporters, not just from the city but the whole region and beyond the opportunity to see the world’s two best Rugby League sides go head-to-head.
“We’d like to place on record our thanks to the Brisbane Broncos, the NRL, Rugby League Commercial and stadium hosts Hull City, for their support in making the game happen. We’re determined to put on the biggest Rugby League event the city has ever seen, with world class entertainment on and off the field at a sold out MKM Stadium.”
Broncos aim for 34-year first in UK
He helped end Brisbane’s 19-year NRL premiership drought, and now Michael Maguire can turn his attention to ending another lengthy streak when the Broncos travel to the UK next year for the World Club Challenge.
Aussie sides haven’t fared too well in the event recently, with Penrith losing in both 2023 and 2024, with no match this year, while you have to go back to 1992 for the last time the Broncos won the historic clash against English opposition.
But Maguire has never left history dictate his success, with the veteran coach ending South Sydney’s premiership drought. He also helped the Kiwis stun the Kangaroos and then guided the Blues to a famous comeback win in an Origin decider.
His magic touch helped Brisbane topple the Storm in an instant classic last month, with the coach hoping for more success against English champions Hull Kingston Rovers on February 19 at the MKM Stadium.
“It’s a very special opportunity to take a group of players and staff across to the other side of the world to take on the Super League champions,” Maguire said.
“Travelling and sharing this experience together will only build a stronger connection between the group and that will prepare us for what’s ahead in 2026.
“As a club, we are very motivated to bring the World Club trophy home to Brisbane, just like we did with the NRL and NRLW premierships.”
Hull KR will present a completely different challenge under Aussie coach Willie Peters, but their defence will have their hands full, with the unstoppable Reece Walsh out to replicate his scorching form in the finals that earnt him a Test debut.
“We’re delighted to bring the World Club Challenge back next year to kick off the rugby league calendar,” Broncos chief executive Dave Donaghy said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Brisbane Broncos on the world stage and test ourselves against the champions of England, Hull KR.
“The players and staff are determined to represent Brisbane and our members in the best possible way – and to bring another trophy home.
“Hull KR have incredibly passionate fans and we’re looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere and the challenge that will bring.”
The international clash comes at a time when the NRL is considering buying a stake in the Super League to help strengthen the competition.
“With offers from around the world to host the game, we are delighted to bring the World Club Challenge home to Hull,” Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin said.
“Allowing supporters, not just from the city but the whole region and beyond the opportunity to see the world’s two best rugby league sides go head-to-head.
“We’d like to place on record our thanks to the Brisbane Broncos, the NRL, rugby league commercial and stadium hosts Hull City for their support in making the game happen.
